Hello, I’m Ryan, Connor’s older brother. As kids, Connor and I sometimes bickered, but we shared an amazing childhood & grew very close - eventually we came to see the world in the same way. Despite the age difference of 7 years between us, sometimes I felt like Connor was my older brother - he taught me so much in our time together. More often than not, he would know better than me how to fix a lawnmower, pick the right fishing bait to use, or tell me what pitch was coming next. Even after passing away, Connor still teaches me: stoicism, strength, & even a bit of faith. Connor and I had many shared dreams: our vision was to explore the West together by skiing and hunting every year. I plan to follow through on those dreams with Connor in mind. I want all brothers to be able to follow their dreams together. With CC2 Forever, I hope that we can help fund brain cancer research and one day ensure that Glioblastoma never takes anyone’s family away again.
Hi, my name is Paige and I’m Connor’s older sister. Growing up, Connor and I were always extremely close. Throughout our childhood, we could often be found playing outside together until the sun went down, and I hold these memories close to me to this day. When my little brother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, everyone was obviously extremely scared. But, my brother Ryan and I made a promise to ourselves to try to keep the mood light with Connor, to try our best to keep a smile on his face. Honestly, I was constantly impressed by how brave Connor was throughout the entire process. He never seemed scared to me, even if he really was. Connor was my little brother: he loved ice cream, Kit Kats, playing video games, baseball, hunting, and spending time with our family. He was just like most 18 year old kids, but he was extraordinarily smart, brave, humble, and mature beyond his years. That’s how I’ll always remember him, and I hope that with this foundation, we are able to help individuals like him in some way. I look forward to seeing all that we are able to accomplish!
Hi, I’m Spiro Voulgaris. I’m a partner at William Blair & Co. where I work as a senior quantitative analyst, and I’ve been in the investment field for many years. Over the course of my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work at firms like Lehman Brothers, Neuberger Berman, and Northern Trust, but what drives me today is something much more personal. I joined the CC2 Forever Foundation board because I believe in this mission. I’ve seen the impact of brain cancer, and I’m committed to doing my part to support research, honor Connor’s memory, and offer hope to other families facing this unimaginable challenge. Connor’s story is one that stays with you—and I’m proud to stand with this foundation and help carry that story forward.
Hi, I’m Dave Payton, and I’m proud to be a board member of the CC2 Forever Foundation. I’ve lived in Orland Park, Illinois since 1991 with my wife, Sue—we’ve been married for over 35 years. Together, we’ve raised three amazing sons: Mark, Troy, and Jack. My journey started on the baseball field. After graduating from St. Laurence High School in 1983 and earning a degree in Business Administration from the University of Illinois in 1987, I was fortunate to play professional baseball in the St. Louis Cardinals organization. That experience shaped a lot of who I am—teamwork, discipline, and always pushing forward. Since 1989, I’ve served as CEO of Atlas Putty Products Company, and for over two decades, I volunteered as a coach for the Illinois (Cangelosi Sparks) baseball program, where I also served as president for 16 years. Supporting young athletes and being part of their development has always been close to my heart. I’ve also been a longtime board member of the Do It Stevie’s Way 219 Foundation, and now with the CC2 Forever Foundation, I’m honored to continue that spirit of giving back. Connor’s story moved me deeply. He was the kind of young man who made a lasting impression, and I want to help make sure his legacy lives on by supporting the fight against glioblastoma and lifting up families facing this disease.
It was a privilege to be Connor’s mom. He was just a good solid kid who always put others first. He had the most beautiful intelligent blue eyes that sparkled like nothing I had ever seen before. He was a steak and potato kind of guy and loved his mama’s warm freshly baked cookies dunked in milk. When he was little he always carried around a soft fuzzy blanket and loved to cuddle, thus his nickname of Connor “Bear.” Baseball was a huge part of Connor’s life and that fact continues to be true, to this day. When Connor was diagnosed with a brain tumor it was a devastating shock and quite frankly, something I never thought could happen to my child. The world came to a screeching halt and we didn’t even have time to adjust to the fact that he was entering into the fight of his life. Glioblastoma is a horrible disease, it is a beast that cannot be tamed. Connor did not get the chance to fight, but he sure was ready to battle. I do have some peace knowing that Connor did not have to deal with this horrific disease for very long. He would have hated being sick. Working towards finding answers by funding much needed brain cancer research has given me a purpose to move forward in my life. It gives me hope for others and helps me deal with what has happened to my son. I work as a general dentist in the Joliet area and have managed my own private practice for the past 29 years. My life is truly dedicated to helping others. I am passionate about the success of the CC2 Forever Foundation and working together to find a cure.
God blessed me with three beautiful and exceptional children, Ryan, Paige and Connor “Bear.” I had the opportunity and privilege to coach all three in baseball, softball, basketball and football. Spending hours on the fields and days on the road and nights in a hotel. It sounds crazy now but I wouldn’t trade those memories away. It’s what we did. Time well spent with my kids. When we lost Connor in July of 2021, my world crashed. It’s not difficult to understand why you’re lost and devastated. The hard thing is trying to move forward. Connor wouldn’t accept quitting! We began the CC2 Forever Foundation to share Connor’s story in hopes of helping find answers for others. The foundation has given me some strength to move forward. I am the Vice President of Sales and Co-Founder of Secure Solutions Inc. a distributor for KeyPer Systems.
Hello, I’m Stacey Mladic, and I’m honored to serve as a board member of the CC2 Forever Foundation. I was Connor’s preschool teacher, neighbor, and family friend, but most importantly, he was my son’s teammate and buddy. I had the privilege of watching him grow up, always full of energy and enthusiasm for the people and activities he loved. Through his diagnosis, I learned so much about Glioblastoma, and since his passing, I’ve seen how many others are affected by this aggressive disease. I’m committed to honoring Connor’s legacy by supporting this foundation’s mission—fighting for families and funding research to help end Glioblastoma for good.
Hi, I’m Scott Mladic. I’ve lived in Lockport for many years, and my family has always felt a close bond with the Christian family—our kids grew up together in the neighborhood, and my son had the privilege of playing baseball with Connor at Lockport Township High School. From the moment I met Connor, I admired his work ethic, leadership, and quiet humility. He was the kind of kid you hoped your own kids would grow up to be like.In my professional life, I serve as the Senior Director of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) for the Healthcare Group at Walsh Construction. I’ve also spent years volunteering and coaching in our community. As a board member, I’m committed to furthering the foundation’s mission—supporting glioblastoma research, building community through events, and offering scholarships that reflect Connor’s values. I’m honored to play a small part in ensuring Connor’s legacy continues to touch lives.
Hello, I’m Katy Moerman, and I’m honored to be part of the CC2 Forever Foundation board. Supporting this foundation and its mission is deeply meaningful to me. I believe in what we’re doing—not just raising money, but building hope, honoring Connor, and pushing toward a cure for brain cancer. I’m involved in strategic planning, fundraising, and community outreach, all aimed at expanding the foundation’s impact. Outside of this work, I’m passionate about supporting our schools and being active in our community. I feel incredibly grateful to work alongside such a dedicated group of people, and I’m inspired every day by the strength and spirit that Connor’s memory brings to everything we do.
Hi, I’m Scott Moerman, and I’m proud to serve on the board of the CC2 Forever Foundation. From the time he was a little kid, Connor was a big part of my life. I watched him grow into an incredible young man—smart, kind, and full of heart. He was the kind of person you didn’t forget. That’s why I’m here: to help make sure his legacy lives on in a way he would be proud of. Professionally, I’ve spent years working in sales and business development, with experience at companies like GTT and CenturyLink. I bring a practical, grounded perspective to the foundation, helping guide our efforts to raise awareness and support critical research. More than anything, though, I care deeply about our mission—finding a cure for cancer and making a difference in people’s lives. I’m honored to be part of this team and to carry forward the fight, inspired by Connor every step of the way.
Hello, I’m Jennifer O'Neil. Our family has been close friends with the Christian family for many years. My son Ryan was one of Connor's closest friends. They went to grammar school together, but their true bond grew through their shared interests in baseball, golfing, gaming, and, most importantly, just being silly boys and enjoying each other's company. It is a privilege for me to be part of the CC2 Foundation. As a nurse, being involved with an organization dedicated to finding a treatment for this aggressive and devastating disease is a meaningful purpose to me. My husband Pat and I have deep connections to the Lockport community. Since the foundation was established in 2021, we have learned how this illness has impacted many families in our local communities. Through community fundraising events and initiatives, the CC2 Foundation has been able to gather financial support for research aimed at finding effective treatments to fight Glioblastoma. I am proud to be part of the CC2 Foundation and grateful for the ongoing support from the Lockport and the surrounding communities. Together, we will work towards making a difference in the battle against Glioblastoma.
Hello, I am Pat O'Neil, I am a longstanding resident of Lockport, Il. Currently, I hold the position of President at O’Neil Funeral Home, a role that allows me to continue my family's legacy of compassion and support. Prior to this, I had the privilege of serving as the Will County Coroner for 28 years, a tenure that I approached with both dedication and humility before my retirement in 2020. Throughout these years, I have witnessed the profound impact that a supportive community can have on individuals and families during times of need. My son, Ryan, enjoyed a deep bond with his friend Connor, who was not only a great teammate but also a remarkable friend. Connor embodied an old soul, often serving as the voice of reason among his peers, and his presence has left an indelible mark on those who had the pleasure of knowing him. I am honored to serve on the board of the CC2 Foundation, an organization dedicated to raising awareness and providing resources for families affected by Glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Our collective efforts have already made a significant impact in the community, as we strive to educate others about this devastating illness and the challenges it presents to those diagnosed and their loved ones. It is our belief that together, we can find answers and fight against the horrors of Glioblastoma. Together, we will continue to fight against this horrific disease.
